Julianna is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Julius. The name Julius itself means "downy-bearded," or more literally, "of Jupiter." Therefore, Julianna can be interpreted as meaning "young and downy-bearded" or "of Jupiter."
The name Julianna has been in use for centuries but gained popularity during the Middle Ages when it was often given to daughters of noble families. The name became even more widespread after the Crusades, as it was brought back to Europe by returning knights.
Over time, Julianna has evolved and appeared in various forms across different cultures. In some countries, it may be spelled Julia, Giuliana, Juliane, or Juliana. Despite these variations, all these names share a common origin and meaning.
In literature and art, Julianna has been used as the name of several notable characters. One example is Julianna Slonima in the novel "The Devil to Pay" by Robert Louis Stevenson. This usage contributes to the name's rich history and cultural significance.
Today, Julianna continues to be a popular choice among parents, ranking among the top 1000 names for girls in several countries. It remains an attractive option for those seeking a classic yet distinctive name with a meaningful origin story.
The data provided shows the annual number of births with the name Julianna in the United States from 1900 to 2023. Over this period, the popularity of the name Julianna has fluctuated significantly.
In the early 20th century, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 36 births each year between 1900 and 1937. However, starting in 1938, there was a noticeable increase in its popularity, with over 40 births each year until the end of the century.
The most significant rise in popularity occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1985, there were only 307 births, but by 1996, this number had increased to 834, marking a more than twofold increase in just over ten years.
The peak of popularity for the name Julianna was reached in 2001 with 1777 births. However, since then, its popularity has been steadily declining. In 2021, there were only 989 births with the name Julianna, a significant decrease from the peak 20 years prior.
Overall, while Julianna was not one of the most popular names throughout the entire period, it did experience periods of significant popularity, particularly in the late 20th century. However, its popularity has been declining in recent years.